I have recently purchased a bit a lumber for a few projects I am planning to build. I am eager to get started on these projects, but it has been recommended that I let the wood acclimate for a few more weeks before I start making sawdust.

So…My question(s)...How do the rest of you buy lumber, do you always buy it with a project in mind, resulting in a shop full of lumber but nothing to do for a few weeks?

Do you plan a number of projects in advance and as you prepare to start one, you go out and buy for the project will follow?

Do you just go out and buy a bunch of lumber and wait then start looking for a project that you can use it for?

Do you search the bargin bin so there is always something to use in your shop?

Thanks!

-- Chris N, Westford, MA - "If you won't eat something from your fridge that turned green...why would you eat something that started out that way?"

7 replies so far

I usually buy lumber (hardwood) when I find a good deal, even if I don’t have a project planned at the time. Of course there are always those “I gotta make that” projects that will require a specific lumber purchase. Depending on the lumber condition and project, you can start almost immediately.Lew

I don’t know where you are buying your lumber, but if it’s kiln dried, you should only have to give it a few days at most to acclimate to your shop. If it’s air dried lumber, it would probably be a good idea to have a moisture meter to be sure your wood has reached an acceptable moisture level for your area.

I usually buy for each project, but they aren’t my projects – they are for clients. I usually buy some extra so I have a variety on hand when I have time to build something for myself.

I usually buy lumber for a project but since I have to travel about 50 miles (one way) for it I usually buy at least 100 bf extra for good measure. (Besides I always need extra some for mistakes and I make plenty). This way I have the lumber on hand so that I can start another of the projects that my wife assigns to me. I have enough lumber storage capacity that I can store it reasonably well.

I will let the lumber acclimate for a while in my shop before starting to make sawdust.

-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine

I usually buy for a specific project, but I usually have 50=60bf of white oak on hand. I also have a long haul to get lumber (225 round trip). Unless you have a lot of space to store lumber, let the lumber yard store it for you. I always kept a little more lumber when I was in Maine, because my shop was always heated and the lumber had a nice low moisture content. Down here in Texas, in the summer, the drinking water is only about 75% moisture so I still don’t worry about “wet” lumber.

When I actually buy lumber, it’s usually for a specific project, butI buy a little extra, partly as booboo insurance, and partly to accumulate more wood. Some of the lumber I use is scrounged in the first place, to it goes into the stockpile.

Right now it gives me heartburn to buy lumber, as some of the oak that I’ve had air-drying since last year is almost ready to go.

My hardwood supplier keeps his stock in conditions that are very similar to my garage workshop. So, for me, I’ve rarely had to wait any time at all for acclimation… I’ve bought and built within a day or two with no problems…